Rome Travel Guide

Overview

Rome, the capital of Italy is an ancient city that is also referred to as the “Eternal City”. It is a popular tourist destination and international hub, and it is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to get some shopping done, or to poke around in ancient Roman ruins, Rome is where you should be heading. After all, as the saying goes, all roads lead there.

Rome has a huge range of historical places and landmarks, and it is practically impossible to visit all of its renowned temples and monuments in even a week. The most well-known spots however, would be the ancient Roman Pantheon and Colosseum, as well as the ruins of the Roman Forum and the catacombs. Though these places are merely ruins, there is something truly enchanting about standing in the remnants of a long-ago age.

Other sights to see and experience would be the iconic Spanish Steps that connects the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper Piazza Trinità dei Monti and its beautiful church. While there, visitors might also want to take a look around as there are many other historically and artistically significant structures in the surrounding areas, such as the Fontana della Barcaccia which was made by the renowned Pietro Bernini. Next, there’s Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, and 8th century church that is considered to be one of Rome’s most beautiful. It is also home to one of Rome’s most iconic curiosities, the Bocca della Verità. For those who don’t want to stray too far from the city proper, though, visiting the Vatican City is also a possibility since it sits right inside Rome itself.

Various other points of interest and things to do include Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola and Gesu with its frescoed ceilings; a walk along Rome ‘s oldest road, Via Appia, that also happens to be lined with cypress trees and catacombs; a day of relaxation at Villa d’Este (better known as Tivoli Gardens); the large archaeological complex of Hadrian’s Villa; a bit of splashing about and coin-throwing in one of Rome’s many fountains, particularly the much-romanticized Trevi Fountain; a museum tour at the Galleria Borghese or the Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum; a day of admiring the paintings and sculptures at the San Luigi dei Francesi church; a leisurely stroll on the Ponte Sisto that spans the width of the Tiber River; or for the photographers out there, a quick trip to Gianicolo where one can view the best, sweeping panoramas of the entire city of Rome (it’s also a popular spot for sweethearts, by the way).

Phew. And those are but a few.

Those mentioned above are but a very small part of the list of the attractions that Rome has to offer. It is well worth noting that this ancient capital and its outskirts are comprised of many historically significant roads, buildings, palaces, and institutions. It has FIVE basilicas, two medieval universities, numerous churches and chapels, tons of museums and galleries, and countless shops, stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes. As it stands, it might be impossible, or at least very difficult, to list it all down in a single post.

Don’t let that deter you, however. Instead, we suggest going to the main sites first, and from there, start exploring and see which one of Rome’s treasures you will discover first!

GRAB OUR ITALY VACATION GUIDE & CHECKLIST

Sign up for our mailing list to get latest updates and offers and receive our FREE Insider Italy Vacation Checklist with all the insider travel secrets you'll need to plan the perfect vacation to Italy!